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Do I pay VRT importing a Nissan Leaf EV?

I am planning to import a 2017 Nissan Leaf  from the UKl do I need to pay VRT?

Raj Shah (Fermoy)

Jun 2018 Filed under: importing

Expert answer

Hi Raj,

Technically, yes, you have to pay VRT, but actually no, you don’t. How it works is this — any car with CO2 emissions from 0-80g/km is in Band A1 for VRT, which means you have to pay 14 per cent of the Irish open market selling price. However, all electric vehicles are given a €5,000 rebate on their VRT, so as long as the 14 per cent doesn’t work out at more than €5,000, you won’t actually have to pay anything. 


Should an older camper mean vintage VRT?

I imported a 1972 Volkswagen T2  van from Europe. It is quite basic and not fully done up yet or restored. Revenue want to charge €800 VRT despite me paying only €800 for it when I bought it. I am being charged as a camper van, but I expected to be charged the flat vintage rate of €200 as it is over 40 years old. Should I not have been taxed the vintage rate? They say that is only for cars, but the website does not state that. It says all vintage vehicles and the VW T2 is a vehicle is it not?

Great if you could advise.

Ellen Armie (Dublin)

Jun 2018 Filed under: VRT

Expert answer

Hi Ellen,

Yes, theoretically I’d say you’re absolutely right. A classic VW T2 should be considered a classic, and not as a camper or anything else. To be honest, Revenue can be pretty useless when it comes to assessing VRT on classics and vintage cars, because the market in Ireland is so small for cars like that. What you’ll probably have to do is (unfortunately) pay the VRT up front, and then challenge it.

Get on to your local classic car club, or better yet a VW owners club for some expert opinion (in writing, of course) and maybe get your solicitor to draw you up a letter outlining why it’s a classic and not a camper. You should get a rebate, but it may take some time and effort.


Thoughts on this used Suzuki Grand Vitara?

Thinking of buying a Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0 manual five-door with side steps, a boot spoiler, window tint, alloys and fog lights, with 120,000 miles on the clock.

Andree Cushion (Pafos Cyprus)

Jun 2018 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Andree,

Well, the good thing about Vitaras is that they tend to be rugged and reliable, but from the description you’ve given us, I’d tread a little carefully. A Vitara with that much extra body kit may well have been in the hands of an owner who cared more about how it looked, and less about how it was looked after. Study the service history very carefully, and make sure it’s in good nick.


How much VRT to impotr a 1995 Porsche 911?

How much VRT would I pay on a 1995 Porsche 911 Carrera Auto from Northern Ireland? I am paying £38,500 for the car, 87,000 miles, in very good condition.

Gerry Monaghan (Dublin)

Jun 2018 Filed under: VRT

Expert answer

Hi Gerry,

A tricky one, that. Porsche 911 values seem to fluctuate wildly in the Irish market, which means Revenue will be sticking a finger in the air to work out a value for the car. You could be looking at paying anything up to €10-12,000 in VRT. 


How good is the Clio's air conditioning?

How good is the air conditioning in the Renault Clio Expression?

Joan Gardiner (Athens Greece)

Jun 2018 Filed under: comfort

Expert answer

Hi Joan,

It should be fine — French cars tend to have decent air conditioning, not least because it gets exceptionally hot in some parts of France and, as ever,  car companies build to what they know. If it’s an older one, though, you might want to have a look at getting the system re-gassed, as with age, air conditioning systems become progressively less efficient. 


What hybrid SUV will I go for now?

Hey guys,

Currently driving a Qashqai and looking to change to a hybrid, but local Nissan dealer said they won’t have hybrid Qashqais until 2020. What alternatives can you suggest please?

Thanks

Dara

Dara Weston (Dublin)

May 2018 Filed under: hybrid

Expert answer

Hi Dara,

The best alternatives right now, assuming you want to stick to a crossover-style body, would be the Toyota C-HR Hybrid or the Kia Niro. Both are a fraction smaller inside than the Qashqai, but the Toyota in particular is very well made and really good to drive. The Kia can also be had as a super-efficient plugin hybrid, which is well worth a look if most of your mileage is done in town.


Thoughts on these petrol engines?

Hi,

Is the 1.2 TCe petrol engine in the Renault Kadjar any good? It’s something I’ve been looking at buying (used), but I get the impression from reading various comments and reviews online that it seems rather gutless in terms of power/torque and the economy is just ok. I know the 1.5 dCi is the default choice, but my mileage (roughly 7,000km per year mainly urban) doesn't justify a diesel. Peugeot’s 1.2 on the other hand seems to be excellent and highly regarded. Yet it’s the same size?

Seamus Hadrill (Dublin)

May 2018 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel

Expert answer

Hi Seamus,

The same size, yes, but they are very different engines. Actually, both engines also have the same 130hp power output, but without question the Peugeot engine feels livelier to drive than the Renault one. Why? We can’t say, but the effect is definitely there. Economy should be fine though — especially seeing as most of your mileage is around town, you should get a pretty easy 40mpg on average. It’s definitely the best engine option for you. At 7,000km a year you’d be wasting your money buying a diesel.


Can a company import a car VRT-free?

Hey,

We are an Irish registered company with an office and employees in the UK. We have a UK-purchased car (purchased new in 2015 and in the company name since) that is used by a UK employee as a company car. One of our employees here in Ireland is due a car and is happy to drive the UK car. Thus we wish to import and register the car here in Ireland at the head office. Can we import and register here without incurring VRT?

Thanks

Harry Lawlor (Co Limerick)

May 2018 Filed under: VRT

Expert answer

Hi Harry,

Probably not, but I think the best person to ask is your accountant. Theoretically, the exemption from VRT for a change of address is a personal exemption, not a business exemption. It’s there so that someone genuinely moving to Ireland from another country can bring their car with them without incurring extra expense. You’re talking about the transfer of a company asset from one market to another, so it’s more than likely not going to be exempt, but as I say, your accountant should be able to give you a more precise answer. 


Can I fit electric seats to my Focus?

Hi guys.

I have just purchased a set of black leather seats for my 2009 Ford Focus Zetec model. They came out of a Ford Focus Titanium of the same year. The driver's seat on the Titanium is electric and that in my Zetec is not! Will it be ok re working etc?

Many thanks. Peter.

Peter Tilling (Ruislip, Middx)

May 2018 Filed under: seating

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

I think you may have a few issues there, unless you find it's easy to swap the manual adjustment mechanism from your old seats to the new ones. I suspect that won't be a simple task, unfortunately. And you'd need a lot more wiring, etc. to get the electric seats to work.


Looking for an extra-comfy car...

I saw the Skoda Fabia - Toyota Yaris comparison. I am looking for a car with a smooth drive as my dear wife has back problems and feels every bump. Also, do othropedic seats that you place on the car seat help?

Thanks,

Allan

Allan Katz (Tel Aviv - Israel )

May 2018 Filed under: comfort

Expert answer

Hi Allan,

Orthopaedic seat covers can help, right enough, but it can be a bit of a process of trial and error, and I’d say the best bet in that instance is to get some advice from your doctor, or your back specialist if you have one. As for cars with the best ride quality, the Yaris is pretty good in that respect (although the heavier hybrid version is perhaps less good), but the best bet is, whatever car you’re going to buy, make sure you go for the smallest possible wheel option, with the largest possible tyre sidewall profile. It’s the secret to a comfy ride. 


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